Offshore Wind Power

On Feb. 13, 2021 I watched an interesting report on NHK about offshore wind power. According to the report, in Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture offshore wind power is growing as a new industry. A local construction company is responsible for managing the power generators that stand in the ocean. Electricity generated is sent to islands in the city. The construction company started with just two employees. As the business grew, the company employed local islanders to have them manage the generators that steadily increase in number. 

Many people see this development with great interest. Some of them are universities, maritime companies, local governments. 

The article got me thinking that this can be one of the ways to supply the energy we want without relying too much on sources of energy that produce carbon emissions and harmful radioactive substances. 

Although the report doesn't mention it, offshore wind power may have positive influence on fishery. Here is how. When something is constructed in the sea, seaweeds grow on it, and shellfish start living there. Fish come to eat the shellfish. They also use the seaweed to nest. It promotes the reproductive process among the fish. The number of fish increases. Local fishery will benefit from it. 

If the business is successful, other local governments with seashore that spread across Japan may buy the system from the company. Should that happen, it can hire more people from the islands. Some young islanders may take interest in the future of the business, and decide to study the subject at university. These young people can provide the industry with more knowledge and skills to benefit the industry, thus fueling the positive cycle. 

I would like to continue to keep my eye on the development offshore wind power. It looks like a thing of the future.